— Well, nothing has ever been simple in terms of that conference's longtime courtship of the Irish.

— Maybe Texas will be convinced to keep the Big 12 intact at 10 members if Nebraska and Missouri leave. One particular result won't necessarily trigger a move to the Pac-10.

— Wishful thinking, perhaps. That new Pac-16 kitty, estimated at $20 million per year for each member, is awfully enticing.

— Ditto for the additional revenue that can be made in the Big Ten.

— Will anyone ever again at the Division I level suggest it's all about the student-athlete? It's all about money, baby.

— Gotta admit, the speculation sparked by potential realignment is fascinating. Especially if the Big 12 were to break up and KU and K-State go separate directions.

— The basketball tradition at Kansas figures to be a definite attraction for the Jayhawks once football isn't driving everything.

— It is best for KU and K-State to be looking ahead in case the Big 12 crumbles. Making initial contacts now cannot hurt.

— For what it's worth, Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson began his professional career in the sports information department at Kansas State. He then worked three years with the Kansas City Kings.

— "There's Scotty in the corner ..."

— Sorry, drifted away there into Kings folklore.

— The K-State connection for Thompson is from the what-it-is-worth department. Remember, Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds ran track at K-State, graduated from K-State, coached at K-State and directed athletics at K-State.

— Think he's looking out for K-State?

— Congrats to Jordan Cooper for getting drafted a second time. The Shawnee Heights product, a Wichita State pitcher, could be charmed by a third pick if he opts to play for the Shockers again as a junior.

— Too bad K-State and Arkansas didn't meet at the NCAA baseball regional hosted by the Hogs. The Wildcats' Brad Hill and the Razorbacks' Dave Van Horn were successful coaches at the Division II level at Central Missouri.

— By the numbers: 41 — Years since Kansas State had a player drafted as high as shortstop Carter Jurica, who was taken in the third round by the San Francisco Giants as the 105th choice overall.